S’mores are a classic camping dessert, but that doesn’t mean we can’t switch up the ingredients once in a while. Inspired by the recent buzz of “savory s’mores,” we put together a roundup of delicious savory combinations and adventurous sweet takes that go beyond the traditional marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker.
Bagel Crisp + Cream Cheese + Smoked Salmon
This is one of our favorite savory combinations. At first, when testing it, we worried how roasting cream cheese might play out, but it turns out fire makes everything better. We recommend using a cold slice straight from the block and roasting it quickly near the flame. This gives the cream cheese a lightly charred exterior that tastes phenomenal with the salmon and bagel crisp.
Thick-Cut Wheat Cracker + Brie + Ham + Honey
This pairing reminds us of a classic charcuterie board. Place a thick slice of brie (or a mini brie) on a roasting stick and hold it just above the heat, rotating it until it’s lightly charred and the cheese starts to soften. Layer the warm brie onto a sturdy wheat cracker, add a folded slice of ham and finish with a drizzle of honey. Giving the brie a bit of char brings out its rich, buttery flavor while the honey and ham round out the sweet and salty combination. Try it open-faced—you won’t regret it.
Pretzel Crisp + Smoked Cheddar + Apple Slices
There’s something about this pairing that just screams fall. Start by gently warming a slice of cheddar over the fire until it starts to brown on the outside and softens a bit. Sandwich it between two pretzel crisps with a thin slice of apple. The warm cheddar contrasts with the crisp, bright apple, while the salty pretzel brings it all together for perfect savory s’more around a late-summer campfire. If you’re feeling fancy, give it a whirl with different pretzel flavorings, too!
Pita Crisp + Mini Cheese + Capocollo + Fig Jam
Individually wrapped mini cheeses are definitely the most fun cheese to roast over the fire. Unwrap the mini cheese, slide it carefully onto a roasting stick and hold it just above the heat, rotating frequently until the outside is slightly browned and the inside is warm. Spread a little fig jam onto a pita crisp, then layer on the roasted cheese and a folded slice of capocollo. Capocollo is a thinly sliced cured meat that adds a savory kick to the sweet fig jam and creamy cheese. Combined with the crunch of the pita crisp, it’s out-of-this-world good.
Shortbread Cookie + Lemon Curd + Marshmallow
This one came out even better than we could have imagined. Start by spreading a spoonful of jarred lemon curd onto a shortbread cookie, then top it with a roasted marshmallow. Follow it up with a second cookie. The shortbread cookie and jarred lemon curd paired with the roasted marshmallow give the effect of a lemon meringue pie. It’s tart and bright with just the right amount of sweetness, making it a great option for those who aren’t crazy about chocolate.
Sandwich Cookie + Marshmallow + Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread
One of our favorite desserts to make for holidays is an Oreo Nutella cheesecake, which is the inspiration for this s’more! We experimented with using a full sandwich cookie on top and bottom but found that pulling one apart and placing the fillings inside made it much easier to eat. Spread the chocolate-hazelnut spread on the inside of both halves of a sandwich cookie. Then sandwich a freshly roasted marshmallow between them while it’s still warm. The cookie and nutty chocolate spread with the charred marshmallow is pure chocolatey perfection.
Pretzel Crisp + Marshmallow + Peanut Butter Cup
This is a spin on one of our favorite snacks: peanut butter–stuffed pretzels. Place a peanut butter cup on a pretzel crisp, then add a freshly roasted marshmallow and top with a second pretzel crisp. Don’t worry about heating the peanut butter cup separately; the marshmallow’s heat does that work for you. The result is that same salty, peanut buttery combination with a distinct campfire twist.
Chocolate Chip Cookie + Marshmallow + Chocolate Caramel
If you’re looking for the most indulgent combination, this is the winner. Place a chocolate caramel square on a chocolate chip cookie. Top with a freshly roasted marshmallow and top with a second cookie. Let it sit for a few seconds to allow the heat from the marshmallow to soften the chocolate. End result: a rich, gooey center that’s totally worth the sticky fingers.